Dear Brennan and Strain Family,
Patty was my classmate at St. John Brebeuf grammar school and her mother my third grade teacher. This news is very sad and such a loss for our class of '75.
I will continue to keep the Brennan and Strain family in my Thoughts and Prayers.
Colleen Croke Tosti

Dear Mary Beth, Brennan and Strain families,
I am so sorry for your loss. May all the wonderful and happy memories you have of Patty comfort you and help you through this difficult time. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Mary (Pater) Serio

The Strain and Brennan families are in my prayers. I knew the Brennan’s when I was a kid and always loved their beautiful spirit. It is our faith in Jesus, that comforts us during these difficult times, knowing we will see our loved ones again.

Patti was the most positive person I knew from way back in high school. She radiated good cheer, saw the good in others and inspired those who were fortunate enough to know her. My deepest condolences to the extended Strain and Brennan families.

When I reflect upon the many occasions I was fortunate enough to share with Patti, perhaps the one I believe sums her up best was organizing the breakdown of the MKA Middle School Book Fair. Setting up the book fair is a herculean task that takes many volunteers as much as three days. For as many years as I can remember, Patti single handedly assumed the responsibility of organizing the middle school students to break down the fair. Dozens of students miraculously appeared at the end of the school day on the final day and under her cheerful direction had the millions of books all packed away in boxes in the space of one hour. And she managed all that with her can do attitude and the promise of a slice of pizza! She made the world a better place.

I am sorry for the death of Mrs. Strain. The God of heavens shares your loss (Ezekiel 18:32). He plans to eradicate all sources of suffering, including death (Revelation 21:3-5). He promises to return her back younger and in perfect health (Hosea13:14; Job 33:25). Jesus taught us to pray for that marvelous time at Matthew 6:9-10. I have found the free website, JW.ORG, much helpful in finding more comforting verses. It is my sincere wish that it will benefit you as well. My heartfelt condolences to all of you. Psalm 37:11, 29.

Dear Brennan/Strain family, in high school Patty was always there with a warm and infectious smile working to always include as many of us as possible. It was great to see her at our Regina reunions and her smile had not changed! My heartfelt condolences during this time of tremendous loss. May all your fond memories ease your grief in the days ahead.

Dear Brennan/Strain Families-
The light. The kindness. The smile. The sunshine that was Patty! As many have stated, Patty absolutely “beamed” in high school, and I feel blessed to call her my friend. I am so very sorry for your loss, but rest assured, her vivaciousness will be with me always.

My thoughts and prayers go out to both the Strain and Brennan families.
Patty was a good friend in High School. She brought so much fun and energy
to the table. It was contagious. Hopefully, you will find much love that surrounds you at this difficult time.

So sad to hear about Patty. When I think about our days at Regina, I always see that beaming smile. It was contagious. She was so warm and giving, had such a big heart. What a great soul.
I have no doubt Patty touched countless lives thru her kindness and caring.
Hugs and prayers to Patty’s family and everyone who knew and loved her...

My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I too knew Patty at Regina and considered her a friend. I am struck by all the thoughts of my fellow classmates. Patty was warm and friendly to all of us, not to one group but to everyone. It sounds like this is how continued to lead her adult life with warmth and friendship and charity to many.
My hope is that her vitality and energy and kindness continue to be an inspiration to all that knew her. I am so sorry she had to suffer but pray that she now has peace and happiness.

Hi Jonathan,
I am just grieving with you and your family over losing Patty! She is a delight in my memory! I'm thinking of and praying for you and the boys! Love and hugs to you this weekend and in the months to come!

Rest in Peace beautiful Patty! You were always so consistently nice and sweet! The tallest of the girls & coolest in our class, you were generous and wonderful. I will pray for your family and know that you are in Heaven.
I always always loved the name Brennan, and my oldest son is named Brennan! God Speed peace!
Tracy Dowd Molleur

I haven’t seen Patty for so many years but the obituary written to celebrate her and her life could not have been more true. She was the nicest, kindest person who was absolutely positive in all situations. So sorry for your loss. Makes me realize life is short and I’m lucky to have been friends with Patty at Regina.

My deepest condolences to the entire Brennan and Strain families. Patty and I met in high school and I think we both thought it was a special connection due to our older sisters being such good friends. She was always so nice to everyone and always cheerful. God bless you Brennan.

My deepest condolences to the Brennan and Strain families. I was a classmate of Patty's at Regina, and am so saddened to read this news. My heart breaks for your family. Patty was beautiful, inside and out. She was always smiling, upbeat, positive and inclusive of everyone. You are in my thoughts and prayers as you navigate the difficult days ahead.

My deepest sympathy to the Strain and Brennan families. I am truly just in shock. She was always so positive, upbeat, helpful - just a wonderful girl. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. God Bless.

I am so sorry to hear about Patty. As a classmate at Regina ‘79 she was kind to everyone and fun to be with. Her amazing smile and exhuberant positive energy will be in our memories forever.
Jackie Dunton Kramer

My heart is sad yet my heart is full. Full with positive and energized thoughts given to me from Patty. I have never experienced seeing someone with such drive and positive engery during the most challenging struggle of their life as Patty.
As I have reflected back to some of our personal conversations, I think of traits put forth by her of being genuine, compassionate and honest. She was a true motivator, always leaving you with the feelings that you were “on the right path” , that you can “accomplish anything”. But what stands out the most, was that when she would speak to you, it seemed like the World stopped. No interruptions, no side glances. Just Patty and yourself. Calming and refreshing no matter what the topic. But just Patty and yourself. It amazes me today to realize what a definded gift for communicating she had. It was a gift to me, to learn to focus and to be present when speaking to those you love. I will miss her dearly.
My heart is sad, but ny heart is full.
Much love ,
Peds

I was a friend of Patty's in high school. Went to all boys school and whenever there was a party or gathering you wanted Patty there. She made all us awkward boys feel like we were welcome and important and interesting. She had a magic that was unusual at that age. I haven't seen Patty in years but have often thought about her and kept up with her family through other people. When I received a text of her passing, tears just started dripping down my face. Im still sad typing this. I will always remember her magic.

Patty Brennan and I became friends at Illinois State University. She would show up in the library during finals and walk through the tables handing out homemade chocolate cookies. When I came to visit her in NJ we always had a good long list of things to take care of ... spending time with her always taught me something more about the discipline of being kind and giving. I absolutely adored her energy. And when she met Jonathan - well that was a thing of joy to see. Whether near or far, she has always been in my heart and always will be. Love you Patty.

I worked with Patty at GRiD. Even though she was the youngest person in our office, she quickly became a key player on our team. She always had a great attitude and tried to do the right thing. Her positive approach was contagious and everyone in the office loved working with her.

We will miss Patty and her encouraging spirit. We appreciated all of the pictures she would send of our boys during their magical MKA football season. We also loved the fact that after their success on the field how she encouraged them to now make an even bigger diffence by preparing meals for those in need. She was a blessing to all who knew her and her positive spirit will be missed by us all.

I loved working with Patty on the MKA Book Fair every year. Her passion and commitment and bright spirit and kindness and friendliness and huge talent, along with her determination to help kids find books they would love and also help the school were all so inspiring. It was truly a pleasure to be with Patty. I will remember her fondly and often and send my sincere condolences to her family and loved ones.